Parenting New Year’s Resolutions

With it being a the beginning of a new year, I have been thinking of goals I want to set for myself. There are a lot of things that I want to improve on in my life, but todays I want to talk about my resolutions in regards to parenting. I believe that no matter how great of a parent you are, no one is perfect. We can all us to improve on things and our children deserve it and are worth every effort.

I have been a mother for a little over 4 years now, and it seems like things are forever changing as this child of mine grows. Parenting is definitely all about O.J.T. (on the job training). I want to be the best parent I can be. I am proud of the parent I have become however I do have some things I want to improve on. When looking at how I parent my son, I realize that I am a little too lazy at times and also bend a little too easy.

Okay so when I say I am a little lazy, I am speaking in regards to working with him, on his writing, reading and counting. Often times I am so tired from the day to day activities life brings that a week can go by and I haven’t taken a moment to sit down and work with him on these things. I think often times I take for granted that they are working on this with him at school. I know that practice is the key to him improving and advancing in these areas so that is what we will do more of from here on out.

The second big thing I want to work on, is really sticking to what I say. Often times, I feel strongly about something when it comes to my son but then I cave in. I do this because I don’t want to disappoint or upset my son. I am seeing now that I have done a bit too much of this, because now my son feels entitled to get his way at all times. This causes a greater problem because when he doesn’t get his way, he gets really frustrated and upset which sometimes leads to a huge tantrums. I know that by me always bending, my son isn’t learning about limits and boundaries as well as how to deal with disappointment. From here on out, I plan to be a stronger parent,one who teaches my child that everything can’t always be his way and that “No” really means “No”. No begging, crying or pleading will change my decision. My son needs to learn to respect what I say and keep it moving, If I don’t nip this in the bud, I might have bigger problems in the future.

What are your parenting resolutions? What do you want to do differently?

With six kids, it can be hard to really give them individual attention like I need to. My husband and I have decided to start letting each of the 5 older kids stay up 30 minutes later (one at a time) during the week, so we can have one-on-one time with them. We'll play a game, read, or just hang out. I think they'll really enjoy it!

I need to focus on education around here a little more. We have fallen off with the reading and writing lessons as far kids and being strict you have to be firm it's hard to tell them no but it must be done.

I agree w/ your resolutions.
When I say no, I stick with it. But my son knows he can manipulate me more than he can my husband.
But when I really MEAN what I'm saying, I give my son "the look" and that usually ceases his pleas.
Maybe you try this type of non-verbal communication ;)

Tiffany-
What an awesome way to get in more individual time with the kids and I am sure they will enjoy their special time. This will really let you focus on them and see whats going on in their world.